Allen West: It ain’t over til it’s over

By Charles Mahtesian

11/07/12 11:41 AM EST

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, GOP Rep. Allen West trails his Democratic challenger by about 2,500 votes. The race for his South Florida-based district still hasn’t been called by the AP, however.

"This race is far from decided and there is no rush to declare an outcome. Ensuring a fair and accurate counting of all ballots is of the utmost importance. This race is far from decided and there is no rush to declare an outcome. Ensuring a fair and accurate counting of all ballots is of the utmost importance. There are still tens of thousands of absentee ballots to be counted in Palm Beach County and potential provisional ballots across the district.

Late last night Congressman West maintained a district-wide lead of nearly 2000 votes until the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections "recounted" thousands of early ballots. Following that "recount" Congressman West trailed by 2,400 votes. In addition, there were numerous other disturbing irregularities reported at polls across St. Lucie County including the doors to polling places being locked when the polls closed, in direct violation of Florida law, thereby preventing the public from witnessing the procedures used to tabulate results. The St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections office clearly ignored proper rules and procedures, and the scene at the Supervisor's office last night could only be described as complete chaos. Given the hostility and demonstrated incompetence of the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections, we believe it is critical that a full hand recount of the ballots take place in St. Lucie County. We will continue to fight to ensure every vote is counted properly and fairly, and accordingly will pursue all legal means necessary."

The post-race period looks like it could get ugly — West, a conservative lightning rod, tends to generate strong responses from fans and foes.

The statement’s sharp language — with its reference to “the hostility and demonstrated incompetence of the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections” — is also a sign of what’s likely to be a rough conclusion to this race.